BMus (Hons) 1st Class, Royal Academy of Music
LRAM Teaching Diploma
Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM); Musicians' Answering Service (MAS)
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I give lessons for all brass instruments, teaching trombone from beginner-advanced (ABRSM Grade 8 and beyond), and all others (including trumpet, cornet, french horn, euphonium and tuba) at a beginner level, rising to intermediate (Grade 4/5), as appropriate. I am happy to teach students of all ages.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a BMus Hons 1st class in performance. During my studies there I also became a Licentiate of the Academy (LRAM), which granted me with the college's teaching diploma.

What kind of experience do you have?
At the Academy I took a keen interest in education work, particularly that of music workshops within the wider community, and as a result have both led and taken part in workshops at such venues as the Wigmore Hall and the Wallace Collection. I also do numerous workshops in primary schools across London, showcasing the trombone and giving children the opportunity to hear the instrument live and learn more about it.
As a freelance musician I have worked with various orchestras in and outside of London, and recently trialed for the position of 2nd trombone with the BBC Philharmonic. I have just completed a year on the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Future Firsts scheme, a graduate course designed to train musicians for the orchestral profession. I was also a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra from 2009-2011.

How much do you charge?
I charge £30 for an hour's lesson and £20 for 30 minutes: I recommend that beginner students start initially with shorter lessons as they are more likely to benefit from this. These fees are inclusive of travel expenses for lessons within London zones 1-3 - expenses for lessons elsewhere may be made by arrangement.

Where do you teach?
I can teach at home, but would prefer to teach at students' homes (you may also find this more convenient as it offers a degree of flexibility). I am happy to teach within London but given my proximity to Clapham Junction station, I also have good access to the home counties (Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire in particular), enabling me to teach in Windsor, Reading, Slough, Basingstoke, Guildford, Woking etc.

When are you available?
My availability is reasonably flexible through both days and evenings and I am happy to arrange lessons that fit your schedule.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I can teach all ages and all levels, particularly with regards to trombone students.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
My lessons are geared towards the student as an individual, and so there is no pressure to learn the instrument for the purpose of exams unless you so wish (the enjoyment of playing a musical instrument is crucial, after all!) For those students looking to take exams however, I would look to prepare them for those set by the ABRSM board (Grades 1-8)

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
As I have only ever worked freelance, I do not currently hold CRB disclosure.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I am happy to give tutoring advice through email correspondence, although I do believe that this is not an adequate substitute for lessons and would only recommend it under certain circumstances.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am a member of the Musicians' Answering Service: in the event that you are unable to contact me, they will be more than happy to take your call. I also hold membership with the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM).

Where and with whom did you train?
I studied at the Royal Academy of Music with such teachers as Dudley Bright (the principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra), Ian Bousfield (Vienna Philharmonic) and Mark Templeton (London Philharmonic), as well as Denis Wick - a household name in brass musicianship.

Do you have a personal message for students?
Playing an instrument should be for the joy of making music, and I would urge anyone considering taking up a brass instrument not to be too concerned with taking exams for the sake of it! It is more important that you enjoy the exciting prospect of learning to play an instrument, and in keeping with this the lessons I give are low-pressure and highly individual.

Articles

The Trombone: Did You Know?
Subject: Trombone
Tags: italy, trombone
Created: 13/06/2011